Pleased - But Not Fooled

We can play a lot better and there are a lot of things we can do sharper, crisper and more professionally"

Kenny Jackett

Kenny Jackett was delighted to see Wolves chalk up a fifth successive league win against Swindon today – but insisted he “wouldn’t be fooled” in terms of the need for an improvement in performances.

The Robins produced an impressive performance at Molineux but Wolves quality at both ends in the pitch – some impressive saves from Carl Ikeme and a crucial three goals – saw Jackett’s side run out 3-2 winners.

Wolves led both 2-0 and 3-1 with Scott Golbourne, Kevin Doyle and Kevin Foley on target but Swindon replied through Dany N’Guessan and Ryan Mason, the latter prompting a slightly nervy final three minutes of injury time.

But the points were secured, leaving Wolves continuing to be among a hot pace at the top of the Sky Bet League One table in the season’s early weeks.

“First and foremost it was a great win for us and the table is really starting to take shape,” said Jackett.

“It was a very good game, an attacking and open game with a lot of chances at both ends.

“It was exciting and entertaining and could have gone either way right the way to the end.

“Going 2-0 up set us a different task and we didn’t do well defensively as a team after that I think, particularly in midfield where I didn’t think we did well enough.

“I wouldn’t put that down to the back four but the team as we didn’t defend well enough when we’d got that lead.

“We gave up possession and territory too easily and in that there is much work to do and we have to be harder to break down than we were today.

“And we didn’t do well enough on the counter attack although the one time we did score through Kevin Foley was the result of an excellent combination between Doyle and Sigurdarson and Foley.

“Kevin finished it very well and that proved to be the crucial goal.

“But we didn’t do well enough with our passing because there were a lot of holes against a Swindon side who were very open and coming at us with players from all angles.

“They played very well as we knew they would as they are in a good place at the moment and they enjoyed coming to Molineux.”

Jackett continued: “There is a lot for us to improve on, particularly in the early part of the game.

“Once you get an early goal the dynamics change and sides come at you and you have to be better and concentrate defensively.

“And also there are then spaces on the break that you have to exploit.

“We can play a lot better and there are a lot of things we can do sharper, crisper and more professionally.

“That is our task – to keep improving.

“It is good to win in these situations – and there is never a bad win.

“But we shouldn’t be fooled because we do need to do better than we did today.

“We are pleased with the win and the three goals because if you can score goals consistently, then whatever else is going on you can usually pick up points.

“We will keep on working but also capitalise on the good things that we have.

“It is early in the season and while we are still a work in progress we have to realise where we are.”

Carl Ikeme landed the sponsors’ Man of the Match award after a series of crucial saves, and Jackett was certainly not arguing with that decision.

“I felt Carl was our man of the match today which shows you the nature of the game,” he said.

“He was excellent as he has been all season so far.

“There was one from a header in the second half which I thought was in – he played very well.

“Having a goalkeeper like Carl Ikeme isn’t luck.

“It is good for the club and he was outstanding today.”

The final two goalscorers are two of the more experienced players within the Wolves dressing room, and Jackett was pleased with the impact of both.

He added: “Kevin Foley took his goal very well.

“He brings a calmness and experience to it when we needed to do better on the ball.

“We were quite nervous and felt we needed to settle down on the ball and make things happen.

“And it was good for Kevin Doyle to get a goal and his link-up play when we can get the ball into him is a key.

“Many of our good moves today flowed through Doyle.

“It was a good combination by the front two for the second goal when Leigh (Griffiths) clipped it to the far post for Kevin to head in.

“I am sure Leigh can learn from Kevin and you are always looking for the senior pros to lead the younger ones.